Next-generation Porsche 911: More details

The upcoming 992-series of the Porsche 911 promises to usher in the biggest set of technological changes yet for the iconic coupe.

However, the fabled German manufacturer says the technology will not be embraced in a way that compromises the pure and unadulterated heritage of the car.

Porsche has confirmed that a plug-in hybrid drivetrain and modern driver aids will be incorporated into its next-generation 911.

Speaking at this week's Geneva motor show, Porsche's global chief executive, Oliver Blume, said the eighth-generation 992-series 911 due in 2019 would embrace new technologies delicately.

"We think that is a very important core part of our brand and therefore we will drive to the future with improved combustion engines but the concept of the car will be able to introduce, in future, a plug-in hybrid variant and that is what we are thinking for the future," he said.

Blume also made a point of clarifying that Porsche won't be doing an all-electric version of its long-celebrated hero model, at least for now.

"The next generation will not come with an electric version," he said.

But make no mistake - full electrification is coming. Porsche anticipates that between 30 and 40 per cent of its global sales will involves electrification by 2025.

In addition to next year's Mission E sedan, Porsche appears likely to offer a battery-powered crossover, as previewed by the Mission E Cross Turismo concept that debuted at Geneva.

To cater for its future EVs, Blume said Porsche was mapping out a global infrastructure map that will soon encompass a new charging network in Australia.

On the 911 hybrid front, Porsche is examining a revolutionary plug-in system that could potentially encompass KERS technology from Formula 1.

Along with the performance, efficiency and EV-only driving benefits of electrically assisted plug-in hybrid power, Porsche recognises big advantages in Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems.

"Yes, talking about electrification of the 911 the question between performance and electrical range is a tough one and another question for Mission E," said head of battery electric vehicles at Porsche, Dr Stefan Weckbach.

"There's the discussion on would we use an electrification of the 911 drivetrain only for additional power, or for additional power and range, or only for electrical range.

"The last one, only for electrical range, is something we wouldn't address as Porsche for the 911.

"But then there's still the discussion of does it only need more power - the F1 approach - or does it have more power and an electrical range. And both approaches are technically discussed and are feasible."

Dr Weckbach left the door open to Porsche using a range-extending hybrid on its garden-variety 911s, and reserving KERS for its higher-spec GT models.

"Could be, yes. But as I said no decision on that, just discussions going on."

It seems Porsche is developing answers for sustained acceleration launches and top speed driving for the 911, along with addressing potential range anxiety too.

Powering its line of electric vehicles, including the Mission E, will be either 400-volt or 800-volt technology.

If successful, the technology will make it possible to charge up to 400km range in about 15 minutes when connected to a high-output DC outlet.

As for modern driver aids, even Porsche is subject to the rigours and expectations of safety bodies around the world. That's why the next-generation 911 will adopt a suite of aids that includes functions such as lane-keeping assist.

But according to Blume, users will have the luxury of turning the safety suite off.

"I think all the assistance systems you can use in sporty cars, we will use those in future for the 911," he said.

"It depends in the end on the driver. We have Porsche fans that like to drive very purist cars without all the radio and nothing. On the other side we have 911 fans that love to drive very comfortably and use all the assistance technologies. It will be enabled.

"I think it's more important for Porsche to have the right range in the future for customers and to produce tailor-made cars. Every customer has a need and therefore we have the very purist drivers and the comfortable drivers, and we will offer a range that suits everyone."